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There is a growing demand for highly trained accountants who can guide their organizations through the volatile economic environment that exists globally today. Professionals in accounting do not merely report financial positions – they create economic value.

The objective of this unique curriculum is to enhance the knowledge and skills of accounting professionals and prepare entry-level students for a career in accounting, allowing both to attain the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. Meeting all CPA requirements, the Master of Accounting program will prepare you to enter or further your current career as a professional accountant in financial institutions, government, industry, nonprofit organizations, and public practice.

Current students: Please consult your Academic Advisor for program requirements or access SharkLink for your CAPP report. Program requirements are subject to change, and your Academic Advisor or CAPP report can provide you with the courses required for your catalog term.

Full-Time professionals are available to discuss the Master of Accounting curriculum with you in greater detail. Simply call 800.672.7223 Ext. 25168 or contact our Enrollment Services Staff.

ACT 5713Accounting Theory(3 cr.)

This course serves as the first graduate course students take in the Master of Accounting program. This course studies the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as they affect today's practitioners. The theoretical structures of accounting for assets, income definition, recognition and measurement of income, influence of professional standards, and the future of the profession are examined. Prerequisite: ACT 5741.

ACT 5715Emerging Auditing Technologies(3 cr.)

This course focuses on the assurances given to financial statements and other documents by the independent auditor in the context of auditing organizations and their business strategies. It compares the traditional independent auditing procedures to those found in the emerging new audit process and risk models (Bell et al., 1997; AICPA, SAS no. 104-114, 2007). Prerequisite: ACT 5743.

ACT 5717Forensic Accounting(3 cr.)

This course studies forensic accounting processes. These processes include approaches to the understanding, identification, prevention and auditing of financial fraud, and other legal proceedings, including the required testimony by an expert witness, and the corresponding professional responsibilities of the CPA. Prerequisites:ACT 5743.

ACT 5721Accounting Professional Ethics(3 cr.)

This course reviews relevant research on the available choices, dilemmas and accepted solutions found in accounting practice. It begins with the psychological, social, and other theories used to predict human behavior and applies them to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and other codes of accounting practice.

ACT 5725Financial Statement Analysis(3 cr.)

A review of financial statements for fairness and completeness in reporting. Focus is on the analysis of financial statements and related footnotes from the standpoint of the different users of financial reports. Prerequisite: ACT 5741.

ACT 5731Accounting Information and Control Systems(3 cr.)

Focuses on the design, implementation, and evolution of accounting information systems with emphasis on the internal control implications of EDP systems.

ACT 5733Advanced Managerial Accounting I(3 cr.)

An advanced-level discussion of variance analysis, cost allocation, transfer pricing, and the use of modeling to solve business problems.

ACT 5735Controllership(3 cr.)

A seminar on the function of financial controllers, including their role in planning, controlling, reporting, and administering today's business environment.

ACT 5736Internal and Operational Auditing(3 cr.)

This course investigates the duties and responsibilities of the internal auditor and emphasizes those of operational auditing. Prerequisite: ACT 5743

ACT 5741Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting(3 cr.)

This course will examine contemporary issues and developments in financial accounting and reporting, as well as reviewing underlying fundamental concepts. The course will use a comprehensive financial accounting and reporting case to apply the concepts and applications discussed in class.

ACT 5742Contemporary Accounting Issues in Business(2 cr.)

This course provides helpful business tools useful for analyzing and interpreting financial and nonfinancial information. The tools examined will include those from accounting, economics, finance and other closely related disciplines. A case study will be used that addresses issues involving accounting, auditing, and consulting engagements.

ACT 5743Advanced Issues in Auditing(3 cr.)

This course is a review of advanced topics in audit practice, particularly as they apply to governmental entities. The course will be primarily case driven. The case will require the application of basic and advanced auditing tools to solve decision based problems for both profit and nonprofit entities.

ACT 5744Regulatory Issues for Accountants(2 cr.)

This course involves a careful study of landmark legal cases involving the regulation of interstate commerce and federal taxation of corporations and partnerships. Practical application of these rulings to common situations encountered by accountants is emphasized. Research will be undertaken in connection with the analysis of the issues raised by the selected landmark cases. Cases may include decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States in the areas of securities regulation, the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution, due process, labor and employment law, and tax doctrines such as step transaction, business purpose, and economic substance.

ACT 5750eCommerce Accounting(3 cr.)

This course is an interdisciplinary course that incorporates concepts from accounting, computer science, management, and business law. The focus is on the accountant's role in electronic commerce including such topics as EDI, security considerations, third party assurance services, and the eCommerce legal environment. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5753Fund Accounting(3 cr.)

An in-depth exposition of the current standards and specialized accounting practices of state and local governments, school systems, colleges, universities, and hospitals.

ACT 5756International Accounting(3 cr.)

Focus is on the evolution of the international dimensions of accounting and national differences in accounting thought and practice, problems, and issues.

ACT 5798Financial Accounting Research(1 cr.)

Students will be exposed to research tools used by accounting professionals including, but not limited to, the new codified FASB pronouncements and IFRS statements.

ACT 5781Business Law I(3 cr.)

Introduces and amplifies the major legal requirements that will be encountered by the professional accountant. Topics will include the Uniform Commercial Code, contracts, and the legal liability and responsibilities of agencies and accountants.

ACT 5782Business Law II(3 cr.)

A continuation of ACT 5781, this course will advance student's knowledge in the area of business law as it applies to accounting.

TXX 5761Taxation of Individuals(3 cr.)

An in-depth analysis of the federal income tax structure, use of tax services, and the concept of taxable income for individuals.

TXX 5762Taxation of Corporations and Partnerships(3 cr.)

A continuation of the study of the federal income tax structure, use of tax services, and the concept of taxable income as it relates to corporations and partnerships.

TXX 5763Tax of Estates, Trusts & Gifts(3 cr.)

Advanced study of, and research in, tax law with emphasis on estate, trust, and gift taxes.

TXX 5765Tax Policy(3 cr.)

A study of tax issues, particularly those pertinent to individual and corporate taxes. This course focuses on the purposes of taxation and development of tax systems.

TXX 5766US Taxation of International Transactions(3 cr.)

International Taxation: This course surveys the U.S. income tax on foreign-earned income. The taxation methods of other countries are also examined.

TXX 5767IRS Practice and Procedure(3 cr.)

This course introduces the student to the structure, organization, practices and procedures of the Internal Revenue Service. The course is intended to give students an understanding of the organizational makeup of the Internal Revenue Service and the authority of its various employees. The different approaches to resolving tax controversies will be explored through the study of assigned readings and in-depth class discussions. The course will be conducted in a seminar-like fashion with each student expected to make significant contributions to class discussions. Attentiveness to news items affecting the area of federal tax procedures is expected, as well as conveyance to class of these newsworthy developments.

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of state and local taxation. The course is not intended to make the student technically proficient in all areas of state and local taxation, but rather, it surveys the taxes that states generally impose on its citizens, corporations, and other entities. The impact on society of current and proposed state and local taxes will be explored through the study of assigned readings and in-depth class discussions.

TXX 5774Fiduciary Income Taxation(3 cr.)

Fiduciary Income Taxation covers the income taxation of trusts, estates, and their beneficiaries; the quasi-conduit approach of Subchapter J; distributable net income and the distribution deduction; in kind distributions; post-mortem planning; funding of marital deduction trusts; basis to beneficiaries; income in respect of a decedent; grantor trusts; trusts for minors; charitable trusts; and the effects of the uniform income and principal act. This is an in-depth treatment of the subject matter introduced in TXX 5762.

TXX 5776Comparative International Taxation(3 cr.)

The objective of the course is to broaden knowledge in the field of international taxation by introducing the student to the study of comparative foreign tax systems. The coverage is wide-ranging, touching on several countries and substantive categories of taxes as well as procedural aspects. While the income tax will be stressed, value added tax (VAT) will also be discussed. The differences in legal frameworks of various countries, such as constitutional, legislative, and statutory structures in relation to tax law will be studied. An understanding will be obtained of the definitions of income and of the varying and alternative approaches to taking corporations and its owners. Areas of concern such as anti-avoidance rules and taxation of e-commerce will be reviewed. After completing this course, the student will have a basic understanding of how other countries tax their citizens, residents, nonresident aliens, and corporations; and how those approaches compare to those of the United States.

A one-week, non-credit course in utilizing the Internet for classroom purposes, research, (including the use of the library), and other skills needed to successfully complete the graduate accounting and taxation program. Required for any student taking a course in the MACC or MTAX programs.

ACTP 5001Introductory Accounting(3 cr.)

An accelerated introductory course stressing the essential elements of accounting skills that will be used in the master's degree program. Managerial uses of accounting data and preparation of financial statements will be covered in this course. Course satisfies program prerequisite of financial accounting for master's degree programs. This course is not financial aid eligible if taken by itself. Students must be taking an aid eligible course from their degree program with this course in order to receive financial aid.

ACTP 5004Cost Accounting(3 cr.)

The role of cost accounting as a tool for managerial decision-making; cost volume-profit analysis, job order costing, and absorption costing. Application of these skills to the overall operation of a business. Prerequisites: ACTP 5001 or equivalent and ACTP 5711. This course is not financial aid eligible if taken by itself. Students must be taking an aid eligible course from their degree program with this course in order to receive financial aid.

ACTP 5006Intermediate Accounting I(3 cr.)

This course is a continuation and expansion of Introductory Accounting. The concepts underlying financial accounting are examined, including those relevant to standard setting, the basic financial statements, and assets. Prerequisites: ACTP 5001 or equivalent and ACTP 5711. This course is not financial aid eligible if taken by itself. Students must be taking an aid eligible course from their degree program with this course in order to receive financial aid.

ACTP 5007Intermediate Accounting II(3 cr.)

This course is a continuation of ACTP 5006. The concepts and application of underlying financial accounting are examined, including those relevant to: liabilities, intangible assets, equity, and investments and leases. Prerequisite: ACTP 5006 or equivalent and ACTP 5711. This course is not financial aid eligible if taken by itself. Students must be taking an aid eligible course from their degree program with this course in order to receive financial aid.

ACTP 5008Intermediate Accounting III(3 cr.)

This course is a continuation of ACTP 5007. The concepts and application of underlying financial accounting are examined, including those relevant to: inter and intra-period income taxes, revenue recognition, pensions and other postretirement benefits, error analysis and cash flow statements. This course is not financial aid eligible if taken by itself. Students must be taking an aid eligible course from their degree program with this course in order to receive financial aid.

ACTP 5009Advanced Accounting(3 cr.)

A continuation and expansion of Intermediate Accounting III. Accounting principles for consolidations and combinations, accounting for branches, accounting for liquidations, accounting for nonprofit organizations, and other selected topics. This course is not financial aid eligible if taken by itself. Students must be taking an aid eligible course from their degree program with this course in order to receive financial aid.

ACTP 5010Auditing(3 cr.)

Examination of financial statements and systems from the viewpoint of an independent auditor. Emphasis is on the methodology and practical applications of auditing techniques and the professional standards that bear on audit performance and reporting. This course is not financial aid eligible if taken by itself. Students must be taking an aid eligible course from their degree program with this course in order to receive financial aid.

ACTP 5712Accounting Principles Review(0 cr.)

This is a non-credit, two week course covering accounting principles required of all students taking the Intermediate I prerequisite course. If the student has taken a principles course within the past five years, he/she may choose to take a competency exam and if passed, will not be required to complete this course.

To qualify as a candidate for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination, the following requirements must be fulfilled (as quoted from the State of Florida website):

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, unless one is using the provisions of the foreign rule.

The Board accepts degrees from schools accredited by the following associations : Middle States Association, New England Association, North Central Association, Northwest Association, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Association of Independent Schools and Colleges who have been approved by the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities, and Canadian Schools who have been approved by their provincial educational bodies.

2. The accounting education program must consist of 36 semester hours of upper division accounting courses including coverage of tax, auditing, financial, and cost accounting. The business education program must consist of 39 semester hours of upper division general business courses with some exceptions. One micro-economics, one macro-economics, one statistics, one business law, and one introduction to computers course may be lower division. As part of the general business hours, applicants are required to have a total of six semester hours of business law courses which must cover contracts, torts, and the Uniform Commercial Code. Excess upper division accounting courses may be used to meet the General Business requirement. Elementary accounting classes are never acceptable for credit. Courses for non-accounting majors and any MBA courses that are equivalent to elementary accounting are not accepted for this requirement.

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